Press Release

New Partnership with SYNLawn Mountain West and South Dakota Educational Institutions

Brookings, S.D., (October 18, 2023) — The South Dakota Soybean Research and Promotion Council (SDSRPC) is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with SYNLawn Mountain West. This collaboration has resulted in a unique, soy-backed front lawn at the new POET Bioproducts Center officially opened in October 2023. The 45,000-square foot specialized laboratory facility is a joint venture with South Dakota State University (SDSU) and the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology.

“We’re thrilled to showcase soy’s versatility right at the entrance of the new facility with the custom installation featuring our logo that SYNLawn Mountain West designed for us,” said SDSRPC Chairman David Struck, a soybean grower from Wolsey. “SYNLawn’s expertise in soy-based artificial grass complements our mission to promote biobased innovation.”

Since 2008, SYNLawn has pioneered using soy in their EnviroLoc™ backing technology. The company projects a three-fold increase in their use of U.S. soy by 2028, in response to growing global demand for sustainable products.

The trend toward sustainable plant-based products is driving demand for innovations that SDSU will research at the new facility. “The POET Bioproducts Center opens the door to discover new uses for our crop,” said SDSRPC Vice Chair David Iverson, who raises soybeans near Astoria. “Partnering for soy-biobased innovation benefits soybean farmers across the country, including right here in South Dakota.”

Visitors to the POET Bioproducts Center are greeted by a display featuring various applications of soy, from actual soybeans to crayons and turf.

The POET Bioproducts Center is located at SDSU’s Research Park (2301 Research Park Way) in Brookings. For more information, please contact South Dakota Soybean.

About the South Dakota Soybean Research and Promotion Council (SDSRPC)

The SDSRPC is committed to advancing research, promotion, and education to encourage the increased use of soy and soy-based products. We’re working together and growing together to give the next generation every advantage. The SDSRPC represents the farmers of South Dakota. We’re joining forces to generate cutting-edge technologies, explore emerging global markets and enhance the future for South Dakota soybean growers. For more information, visit www.sdsoybean.org.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Mariah Kessler

Communications Director

South Dakota Soybean Research and Promotion Council

Email mkessler@sdsoybean.org

Office: (605)330-9942

www.sdsoybean.org